Sailing holidays in Wales provide plenty of challenges to sailors of all
abilities. The offshore waters provide some of the finest sailing in Britain,
with Viking-named islands like Caldey, Skokholm, Skomer, Ramsey and Grassholm
beckoning across clear blue-green seas. Sailing closer inshore provides a
spectacular coastline of soaring cliffs and sweeping sands easily accessed from
a great range of ports and anchorages. Many of the region’s beaches also have
launch facilities for smaller craft.
There's nothing like taking to the water and steering a course in your own boat as Orlando finds out when he hooks up with a local sailor in Swansea Bay. Meanwhile, Aline takes in the sights of the local countryside.
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If you’re just beginning to find your sea legs and sailing is new to you, the
Milford Haven Waterway and the Daugleddau Estuary make the perfect starting
point to your sailing holiday in Wales. Admiral Nelson described this as the
finest natural harbour in the world so it comes well recommended.
The more experienced sailors will enjoy sailing holidays in Wales that offer
challenging tidal races between the various islands. The further east you sail
along the Bristol Channel, the bigger the tides - the second biggest on the
planet, in fact.
Whether your sailing experience rivals that of a 'Cabin Boy’ or a 'Captain’,
sailing holidays in Wales can be enjoyed by all. We have sailing schools which
can offer everything from helping you distinguish a reef knot from a granny
knot through to sharpening your skills in the most challenging conditions.
How & where
There are sailing schools at all the major marinas and harbours in West Wales
where you can get expert tuition in sailing pretty much any kind of craft. A
great spot for sailing holidays in Wales is the Milford Haven Waterway, it’s a
sailing nirvana, with Neyland Marina, which has over 400 berths, Milford Haven
Marina with its wide range of visitor facilities, and Dale, a focal point for
sailors manning everything from tiny Pico dinghies to ocean-going yachts.
Other great locations for a sailing holidays in Wales include Swansea ’s
magnificent new 600-berth marina as it has a vast array of facilities and is
close to the city centre. At the other end of the scale are smaller harbours
and anchorages such as Fishguard and Saundersfoot, Solva and Newport, set
amongst lovely coastline.
What will sailing holidays in Wales cost? Well beginners’ dinghy courses start
from around £60 for a day, £175 for three days which will see you provided with
a buoyancy aid, your own boat and expert tuition. At the end you’ll be pretty
competent in all the basics of sailing and ready to move on up to bigger craft.
A day’s sailing on a 43 ft ocean-going yacht will set you back around £60, or
for a weekend cruising the West Wales coast and maybe popping over to Devon
you’ll be looking at around £300.
Top Tips
Let’s be honest. If you’re new to sailing dinghies, you will definitely capsize
your craft and end up in the drink at some point! But hey, it’s all part of the
fun of sailing holidays and they’re easy to right.
When packing for your sailing holiday don’t forget to take plenty of sun cream
with you. West Wales is one of the sunniest parts of Britain, and when you’re
out at sea that sunlight is reflected right back, making it easy to burn. Not
to mention the effects of windburn. All of which will see you going home with a
healthy sailor’s tan.
More info
The
Royal Yachting Association’s
website has useful info on the West Wales sailing scene.